Camera Trap Assessment of the Mammalian Assemblages Within the Tuli Wilderness Area, Botswana
Abstract
Surveying mammalian communities for species richness is enhanced by utilizing camera
traps as a sampling tool. I conducted a survey of mammals within The Tuli Wilderness Area
(TWA) located within The Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NTGR) of Botswana. In the 34 day
sampling period, I had a total of 248 trap nights at 36 individual sites within the reserve. I
surveyed 38 of the expected 53 mammal species resulting in a 71% success rate. A total of 18
mammalian families and 9 sub-families were detected. Several questions were addressed
regarding species richness such as, how it is affected by habitat type, and how carnivore and
herbivore richness differs within the TWA. Species richness varied greatly between individual
camera sites. Using ArcGIS, I determined that 2 of the 36 sites were found to be hot spots and 2
of the 36 sites were cold spots of mammalian species richness. There were no differences in
species richness among the three main habitat types (mopane, forest/scrub, or riverine). When
compared to other camera trap locations, such as drainage lines, I determined that placement of
camera traps along roads or trails increased detection of mammal species. Carnivore and
herbivore species richness differed significantly within the TWA, with greater carnivore species
richness. Species of ecological concern, such as the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), African
leopard (Panthera pardus), and African lion (Panthera leo) were found at camera sites,
indicating that baited camera trap research can be a valuable tool in monitoring species of
concern within African reserves.